Himolla Seeks the Sustainable

We recently had the opportunity to visit Himolla’s factory and headquarters—in Taufkirchen, outside of Munich, Germany— and see in person what makes the seating manufacturer so special. From their sumptuous sofas to their cozy chairs, Himolla has risen to prominence since its postwar founding in 1948 and its industrial expansion from the 60s to the late 90s. Their recipe for success consists of 4 brand values: functionality, versatility, longevity and individuality.

All Himolla pieces embody each of these values, as do their headquarters and the way they do business. From form to function, the factory to showroom floor, sustainability is built into their process.

Driven by their sense of responsibility to their employees, the region of Bavaria, and the environment, Himolla has pursued sustainability measures since 1999. This has led to a number of changes, such as the way they use wood scraps to heat the factory in cold months, or how their new warehouse was constructed with 5,000 square meters of solar panels.

Himolla’s furniture has always been constructed to last: beech wood, the hardest available in Europe, is used for load-bearing frames, while plywood is used in less structurally significant parts of furniture. Support springs are held in place with metal brackets, and plastics are used only when necessary. Foam molds are hand-constructed out of wood, and excess foam is used in packaging.

Speaking of packaging, Himolla ensures that all packaging is recyclable so that there is no waste generated by their products even outside their operations. They have spent time and energy pursuing the laudable goal of zero waste, and they’ve pursued it in all aspects of their work.

Finally, in addition to well-designed and carefully constructed furniture, they carefully test all pieces and all fabrics in specially designed rigs that apply weight and pressure to frames, or temperature and humidity chambers to test upholstery materials. With over 600 fabric and 200 leather options, plus Dacron underlayers, that’s no small project.

Certified and Awarded

Himolla’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2009, they earned the EMAS award for environmentally friendly supply chain and procurement practices. In 2011, their entire line of products won the Blue Angel award, which is given to low-emission furniture—referring specifically to volatile organic compounds.

Himolla’s products have also earned the Golden M certification, a certification process for ‘longevity and faultless functionality’ of furnishings, health and safety for customers, and low environmental impact of manufacturing. Each facet is examined and approved by independent test institutes.

Finally, their commitment to transparency is demonstrated in the DGM Emissions Label that informs buyers of any harmful substances in a furniture product, based on extensive testing and assigns a letter grade and color depending on the results.

The Goods

Upholstery is Himolla’s specialty, and the sheer number of leather and fabric options on offer set them apart from competitors and reinforces the value of individuality and the ability to create a versatile look for any space.

Longevity is built in as well, through the frame. Functionality goes without saying for pieces like the Mosel Power Recliner, with its gorgeous aesthetics matched by an easy reclining mode and 360º swivel base. Or take the stately Cumurex Chair, comfortable and plush in powered or unpowered models.

Himolla’s efforts to be sustainable are as impressive as the quality of their work. Their seating has won awards and has anchored comfortable, well-appointed living rooms across the world. Not only do they make world-class seating, but they live up to their mission statement: “Great quality, small footprint.”